Comparison of knee position sense between elite male soccer, futsal and beach soccer players

Proprioception and balance are known as important factors in athletic performance and prevention of sports injuries. But effect of different sports on proprioception has not been studied. Thus the purpose of this study was to compare the knee joint position sense among elite male soccer, futsal and beach soccer players. For this purpose, 53 healthy players with following characteristics, including 23 soccer players, 16 futsal players and 14 beach soccer players; aged (mean±SD) 17.96±0.70, 19.13±1.20, and 24.69±3.24 (ys); weight 69.78±5.92, 66.44±7.22, and 76.69±6.04 Kg; and height 174.78±6.24, 176±4.71, and 182.92±4.70 Cm; respectively, were selected. Knee joint position sense was evaluated on dominant leg, with closed eyes condition, in closed kinetic chain, actively, and by Electrogoniometer (ME600, Mega Electronics Ltd, Finland). The mean of absolute error in reconstruction of each aim angle (30 and 60 degrees) considered as the error of knee joint position sense. One way ANOVA and Tuky-HSD post hoc tests were used to analyze the data. Results showed there wasn’t a significant difference between knee joint position sense of Soccer, Futsal and beach Soccer players at 30 degree (P>0.05). But a significant difference was observed between groups at 60 degree (P<0.05), [F(2, 49)=3.45, p=0.04]. Post hoc comparisons using the Tukey HSD test indicated that the mean of absolute error in reconstruction of 60 degree in beach soccer player (M=2.20, SD=1.28) was significantly lower than the futsal players (M=3.48, SD=1.94). However, the mean of absolute error in reconstruction of 60 degree in soccer players (M=3.92, SD=2.1) did not significantly differ from other players. According to the findings, there was a significant difference between knee joint position senses of Soccer, Futsal and beach Soccer players at 60 degree.